The IGP is surely aware that the problem of the police is not just a problem of the rank and file that can be resolved by better education of the newcomers. The country would have to wait for a long time to see the results of such improvements in education changing the present state of policing in Sri Lanka
The new Inspector General of Police, N.K Illangakoon, in his first public statement has admitted that there are problems in the policing system of Sri Lanka. He mentioned that the policing system has been distanced from the people. The IGP’s statement should be an occasion to reflect on another, more disconcerting problem for the citizens, which is the distancing of the policing system from the law. The new IGP admitted the need to reinforce discipline within the police and stated that measures will be made to improve the education of the police in order to deal with this problem.
The IGP is surely aware that the problem of the police is not just a problem of the rank and file that can be resolved by better education of the newcomers. The country would have to wait for a long time to see the results of such improvements in education changing the present state of policing in Sri Lanka.
That the problem lies with the top brass of the system is no secret. An old Greek fishing proverb states that a fish rots from the head down and the former IGP’s resignation was a partial admission of what has gone wrong at the top. If the new IGP is to achieve anything he should direct his attention to addressing the problems that exist within the higher ranks of the police, from his own officer to the Officers-in-Charge of the police stations.
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